- Frölunda on the verge of eighth Quarter-Finals qualification
- Grenoble in a do-or-die situation, but have shown they can score in bunches
- The Swedes have been one of the best defensive teams all season long
If not for the play of Matija Pintarič, Grenoble's goal gap could be much larger as Frölunda Gothenburg were able to pot three to the French side's one, outshooting their opponents 33-17. This was the Swedes' third consecutive win and third consecutive game scoring three or more goals. Meanwhile, Frölunda's own backstop did his job while the offence flourished in front.
Grenoble's past performances against the likes of Pinguins Bremerhaven, Eisbären Berlin, and Lausanne HC are demonstrative of their ability to put the puck in the net as they were able to secure five or more tallies against each. While taking on a top team in Frölunda was undoubtedly going to be a challenge, the French find themselves still within range of reaching the Quarter-Finals. This is because their backstop played some of his best hockey of the season.
Solely relying on their netminder, though, won't get them far, as they'll need to not only garner more offensive opportunities, but also more high-danger chances. In this category, the Swedes were far and away the better squad, having had seven high-danger shots to the French's three and 18 mid-danger shots to Grenoble's seven. For things to change in their favour, it'll be up to former NHLer François Beauchemin and Christophe Boivin, both of whom are tied for team scoring with eight points, to showcase their talents in the offensive zone.
While the scoreboard only shows a two-goal advantage for the Swedes, their play against Grenoble in the First Game could have easily manufactured a much higher deficit. Frölunda's Linus Weissbach was their best player of the night, registering the team's third tally and assisting on Isac Heens's game-winner four minutes into the third period.
Despite their dominant play, however, the Swedes' qualification for the Quarter-Finals isn't a guarantee as Grenoble are only at a two-goal deficit. Frölunda must continue to dictate the pace of play at both ends of the ice as they get ready to suit up against a desperate French squad that has one of the league's top scorers in Beauchemin and one of the top netminders in Pintarič.